Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric Salary in the United States
The median annual wage for ophthalmologists, except pediatric in the U.S. is $300,080 ($144.27 per hour), according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, May 2025 estimates.
- Median annual wage
- $300,080
- Mean annual wage
- $304,650
- Median hourly wage
- $144.27
- Employment
- 8,950
8,950 employed
Wage percentiles
| Percentile | Annual wage | Hourly wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,180 | $48.16 |
| 25th percentile | $173,650 | $83.49 |
| Median (50th) | $300,080 | $144.27 |
| 75th percentile | $421,530 | $202.66 |
| 90th percentile | $489,710 | $235.44 |
Highest-paying states for ophthalmologists, except pediatric
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $450,370 | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $404,330 | 50 |
| California | $400,150 | 820 |
| Florida | $399,440 | 580 |
| Iowa | $394,900 | 90 |
| Georgia | $382,920 | 120 |
| Minnesota | $372,200 | 180 |
| New York | $360,050 | 960 |
| Nevada | $345,600 | — |
| Maine | $337,850 | 90 |
Lowest-paying states
- Kentucky: $101,940 median annual wage
- Louisiana: $155,250 median annual wage
- Indiana: $168,600 median annual wage
- Virginia: $177,410 median annual wage
- Michigan: $179,720 median annual wage
About this occupation
Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.
Typical tasks
- Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
- Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
- Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
Education of the current workforce — typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral or professional degree | 100.0% |
Occupation profile data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Related occupations
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- Nurse Practitioners$132,300
- Pharmacists$140,910
- Physical Therapists$102,760
About this data
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — data period May 2025, retrieved August 13, 2026.
- CareerOneStop Occupation Profiles — data period 2026-08, retrieved August 14, 2026.
Figures are shown exactly as published by the source or derived by the documented formulas on our methodology page. Where a source suppresses an estimate, we show “—” rather than a substitute value.